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How To Get Into University of Oxford

  • May 16, 2025
Admitix Editorial Team

The University of Oxford – a place where world-changing ideas are born, and where presidents, poets, scientists, and scholars have walked the same ancient halls for over 900 years.

University of Oxford Admissions
Credit: Oxford

You could be the next changemaker at Oxford. All you need is the right guidance for your profile.

Why Choose Oxford?

Oxford is the oldest English-speaking university in the world and remains at the cutting edge of global research, critical thinking, and intellectual leadership.

  • Ranked #1 in the World – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
  • A Tradition of Excellence – Since 1096
  • Over 70 Nobel Laureates, 28 British Prime Ministers, and 120+ Olympic Medallists
  • World-Class Colleges – Choose from 39 unique colleges
  • Unmatched Academic Rigor + Personalised Teaching – The famous Oxford tutorial system

A Launchpad for Global Impact

  • Oxford scholars discovered penicillin, the structure of DNA, and dark matter theories
  • Top-tier programs in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE), Law, Medicine, Computer Science, and AI
  • Collaborates with Google DeepMind, CERN, WHO, and NASA
  • Research centres like the Oxford Internet Institute, Blavatnik School of Government, and Oxford Martin School

What Makes Oxford’s Education Unique?

  • The tutorial system – 1:1 or small-group deep discussions weekly with leading faculty
  • Emphasis on critical thinking, clarity of thought, and originality
  • Term-based learning: 3 intensive 8-week terms
  • Ranked #1 globally for medicine, humanities, and life sciences

Oxford Career Outcomes

  • Alumni include Malala Yousafzai, Stephen Hawking, Rishi Sunak, and Indira Gandhi
  • Consistently ranked among the most employable graduates globally
  • Partnerships with top employers like McKinsey, Google, Goldman Sachs, UN, and BBC
  • Dedicated Careers Service and alumni mentoring schemes
  • Routes into academia, entrepreneurship, global policy, science, law, and the arts

You Might Also Like: How To Get Into University of Exeter

University of Oxford Admissions

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

CriteriaTypical Expectations
GradesAAA (or equivalent) in A-levels / 95–98%+ in CBSE/ISC
Standardised TestsYES – Oxford has its own admission tests (see below)
Written WorkOften required for humanities-based subjects
InterviewYes – conducted online or in-person by the college
English ProficiencyIELTS 7.5+ / TOEFL iBT 110+ / Cambridge C2

Common Oxford Admission Tests

SubjectAdmission Test
LawLNAT
PPE, Economics, HistoryTSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)
MedicineBMAT (now replaced by UCAT for some)
Maths, Computer ScienceMAT
PhysicsPAT

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

CriteriaTypical Expectations
Academic ExcellenceFirst-class or strong upper second-class UK degree / 70–80%+ in Indian bachelor’s
English ProficiencyIELTS 7.5 overall (no band below 7.0) / TOEFL iBT 110+
GRE/GMATNot usually required (unless applying to the MBA)
OthersResearch proposal (for DPhil), academic CV, strong references, personal statement

Cost & Scholarships at Oxford University

ExpenseApprox. Annual Cost (GBP)
Tuition (UG)£30,000 – £45,000
Tuition (PG)£25,000 – £50,000+
Living Costs£10,500 – £15,000
Application FeeUG – £28 (via UCAS), PG – £75 per course

Scholarships & Awards

NameEligibilityBenefit
Rhodes ScholarshipPostgraduate, Indian & other nationalitiesFully funded + stipend
Reach OxfordUndergraduate, developing countriesFull tuition, living costs
Clarendon ScholarshipPostgraduate, all nationalitiesFull tuition + generous living stipend
Felix ScholarshipIndian nationals, PG studentsTuition + living costs

How To Make Your Oxford University Application Stand Out

ComponentTips
Personal StatementFocus on academic passion, evidence of independent thinking, and clarity of goals. Keep it scholarly, not sentimental.
Predicted GradesAim for top 1–5% in your class. Oxford is extremely competitive.
Admission TestsPractice thoroughly – these tests often decide who gets shortlisted for interviews.
InterviewPrepare to think aloud. There’s no “right answer” – interviewers assess how you think.
Academic ReferencesEnsure your referees highlight your academic maturity, originality, and work ethic.

Want to Apply to the University of Oxford?

Let Admitix help you build the most competitive application possible – from personal statement writing to test prep and interview simulation.

Book your free consultation today and turn your Oxford dream into a plan!

FAQs

1. Is Oxford harder to get into than Harvard?

In many ways, yes. Acceptance rates for UK undergraduates hover around 14–17%, but for international students in competitive subjects, it can be far lower.

2. Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?

Not in the same year for undergraduate programs. You have to choose one.

3. Does Oxford accept Duolingo?

No. Oxford requires IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge qualifications.

4. Can I work part-time as a student?

Yes, but only during vacations if you’re on a Tier 4 visa.

5. Is Oxford only for the elite?

Not at all. Over 65% of UK students are from state schools, and there’s growing diversity with financial aid and access programs like UNIQ and Opportunity Oxford.